Concealed Hanging Storage Device for Valuables

ABSTRACT

The concealed hanging case is a storage device that can discretely and vertically hold valuables by means of a hook for easy access by the owner. Preferably, the device is shaped to look like a clothes hanger and when hung within a closet with a coat placed on top, is indistinguishable from the other hanging clothes to the unsuspecting eye. To accomplish this, the device includes a receptacle which can hold a variety of objects. The device further includes several depressions which conform to the shapes of the objects such that the objects may securely rest within the case while in an upright position. In addition, the case may be enveloped by a zippered jacket or cover which may be further secured by a lock. Thus, the versatile case may be used in a home, boat, office, and a variety of other settings.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 63/114,346 filed on Nov. 16, 2020.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a case for storage, and more specifically, to cases for vertically and securely storing valuable objects in a discrete manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

From burglars to unattended children, the need to hide and secure valuables is ever present. Homeowners may rely on hiding their valuables in the nooks and crannies of their house, allowing for chance encounters with curious children, exposure to the elements, and forgetfulness. Alternatively, safe boxes with keys or passcodes may be used. These safes are heavy and rather conspicuous due to their size and appearance, making them difficult to hide. Therefore, a system is needed that can securely and discretely hold valuable objects yet also be easily accessible and conveniently located for quick retrieval.

An objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can discretely hold valuables for easy access by the owner. Further, the invention is a storage case that can vertically store valuables by means of a hook. The case is shaped to look like a clothes hanger and when hung within a closet with a coat placed on top, is indistinguishable from the other hanging clothes to the unsuspecting eye. To accomplish this, the case comprises a receptacle which can hold a variety of objects, such as firearms, jewelry, cash, and important documents. The receptacle further comprises several depressions which conform to the shapes of the objects such that the objects may securely rest within the case while in an upright position. In addition, the case may be enveloped by a zippered jacket or cover which may be further secured by a lock. As such, this inconspicuous and versatile case may be used in a home, boat, office, and a variety of other settings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is front view of an exemplary embodiment of the current invention wherein the case is of general clothes hanger shape with a rectangular compartment.

FIG. 2 is a top rear left perspective view of the present invention, wherein a detachable hanger is threaded through a loop on the receptacle.

FIG. 3 is a top front left perspective view of the receptacle alone, wherein a support head structure and a hanger are mounted adjacent a top end of the receptacle.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the present invention wherein, the inner layer comprises a first depression and a second depression shaped to hold a gun and two bullet magazines, respectively.

FIG. 5 is a top front right perspective view of the present invention as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the present invention, wherein the inner layer comprises a plurality of supports from which objects can hang.

FIG. 7 is a top front left perspective view of the present invention as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top front left perspective view of the present invention, wherein the inner layer comprises a first and second compartment which hold a plurality of supports.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the present invention as shown in FIG. 7 with a cover affixed over the first compartment, and a plurality of fasteners mounted within the depressions in the inner layer.

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the present invention, wherein the receptacle is covered by a case cover and fastened with a fastener and locking mechanism.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 10, the present invention is a concealed storage case. An objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can discretely hold valuables for easy access by the owner. Further, the invention is a storage case that can vertically store valuables by means of a hook. The case is shaped to look like a clothes hanger and when hung within a closet with a coat placed on top, is indistinguishable from the other hanging clothes to the unsuspecting eye. To accomplish this, the case comprises a receptacle which can hold a variety of objects, such as firearms, jewelry, cash, and important documents. The receptacle further comprises several depressions which conform to the shapes of the objects such that the objects may securely rest within the case while in an upright position. In addition, the case may be enveloped by a zippered jacket or cover which may be further secured by a lock. As such, this inconspicuous and versatile case may be used in a home, boat, office, and a variety of other settings.

The following description is in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 10. According to a preferred embodiment, the concealed storage device comprises a receptacle 1, an inner compartment 2, an inner layer 3, at least one storage cavity 4, a supporting head structure 5, a hanger 6, and at least one first fastener 7. The receptacle 1 is generally shaped to look like the outline of a clothes hanger and is preferably made of a solid sturdy material like hard plastic. In other words, as seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 10, the receptacle 1 is rectangular with a plurality of rounded corners. However, the receptacle 1 may comprise any other size, shape, material, components and arrangement of components that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered. In order to house valuables of the user within the receptacle 1, the inner compartment 2 traverses into the receptacle 1 in such a way that the inner compartment 2 delineates a plurality of sidewalls 1 a of the receptacle 1. Alternately, the receptacle 1 may be formed by combining a plurality of rectangular pieces mounted along terminal edges to form a hollowed box structure.

In order to receive and hold the valuables in a snug and secure fashion, the inner layer 3 is mounted within the inner compartment 2. Preferably, the inner layer 3 is a waterproof and chemically inert foam such as Ethafoam, (a closed-cell polyethylene foam), that is firm yet compressible. Additionally, the inner layer 3 is pressed against inner sidewalls of the receptacle 1, such that the inner layer 3 as well as the valuables stored within the inner layer 3 are intact and secure within the inner compartment 2. However, the inner layer 3 may comprise any other material, as long as the objectives of the present invention are not altered. In the preferred embodiment, the at least one storage cavity 4 is a recess within the inner layer 3 that may be configured to receive different objects. To that end, the at least one storage cavity 4 traverses into the inner layer 3. In reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the at least one storage cavity 4 conforms to the shape of a gun and two stacked magazines. In other words, one depression of the at least one storage cavity 4 conforms to the shape of a gun and another depression conforms to the shape of two stacked magazines such that the gun and magazines may securely rest within the inner layer while the case is vertically upright. Different quantities, shapes, and configurations of depressions may be used and should not be limited to what is depicted here. For example, in reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the inner layer 3 may comprise a plurality of supports 3 a protruding into the at least one storage cavity 4. This is so that the plurality of supports 3 a may be used to hang jewelry. Furthermore, the end wall which forms the bottom edge of the receptacle 1 may be partially or completely removed so that long objects may hang unimpeded from the one or more supports. The shape and configuration of the plurality of supports 3 a may be tailored for different objects and should not be limited to what is shown here. In reference to FIG. 8, the at least one storage cavity 4 may be configured to receive a plurality of watches. As shown in FIG. 8, the at least one storage cavity 4 that delineates the plurality of supports 3 a comprises several block-like shapes each separated by a space into which a watch may be placed.

In order to securely hold the weight of the valuables and also have a sturdy hanger platform for hanging the storage case, the supporting head structure 5 is mounted adjacent a first end 1 b of the receptacle 1. Preferably, the supporting head structure 5 is a long and relatively flat piece of a sturdy material, that is mounted onto the receptacle 1. Further, the supporting head structure 5 is inserted within the inner layer 3 such that most or all of the supporting head structure 5 is embedded, without interfering with the at least one storage cavity 4. Preferably, the supporting head structure 5 may comprise wood and may be secured to the receptacle 1 by means of hot glue and screws. However, the supporting head structure 5 may comprise any other shape, size, material, attachment means, components, arrangement of components etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

In order to hang the storage case on multiple surfaces, the hanger 6 is detachably mounted onto the supporting head structure 5. The hanger 6 may be mounted onto a first edge 5 a of the supporting head structure 5 through mechanical insertion, couplings, or other means as known in the art, such that the hanger may freely rotate within and remain attached to the supporting head structure. As seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 through FIG. 10, the hanger 6 extends away from the receptacle 1 when in use, such that the storage case may be hung on different platforms without affecting the functionalities of the storage case.

In order to provide additional support and securely hold the valuables within the at least one storage cavity even when the storage case hangs upright, the at least one first fastener 7 is mounted within the at least one storage cavity 4. Preferably, the at least one first fastener 7 is connected to the supporting head structure 5, through the inner layer 3. This is so that, the at least one fastener 7 has additional support for holding the weight of whatever valuable object is being stored within the at least one storage cavity 4. As seen in FIG. 9, the at least one fastener 7 is a hook and loop fastener that may securely hold a watch placed within the at least one storage cavity 4. Further, an internal connection between the supporting head structure 5 and the at least one fastener 7 is also depicted in FIG. 9 through broken lines, wherein the internal connection is embedded within the inner layer 3. However, the at least one fastener 7 may comprise any other material or fastening mechanism that may be known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

In order to separate and give additional security to the contents within the storage cavities, the present invention comprises at least one cover 8. In other words, the contents within the storage cavity 4 may be further securely held by the at least one cover 8. Preferably, the at least one cover 8 is mounted onto the inner layer 3 in such a way that the least one cover 8 covers the at least one storage cavity 4. As seen in FIG. 9, the at least one cover 8 is relatively thin and shaped to fit over the at least one storage cavity 4. In order to securely hold the at least one cover 8 over the at least one storage cavity 4, the present invention comprises at least one second fastener 9. Accordingly, the at least one second fastener 9 is operably engaged between the inner layer 3 and the cover 8, such that operating the second fastener 9 governs covering and exposing of the at least one storage cavity 4. As seen in FIG. 9, the at least one second fastener 9 in a snap button. However, the at least one second fastener 9 may include a variety of fasteners such as hook and loop fastener, magnetic fasteners, snap clips, D-clips etc.

As seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 10, the present invention comprises a loop 10. Preferably, the loop 10 is a connecting element between the supporting head structure 5 and the hanger 6, wherein the hanger 6 is detachably mounted onto the supporting head structure 5. Accordingly, as seen in FIG. 2, the loop 10 is mounted onto the supporting head structure 5 in such a way that the loop 10 extends away from the receptacle 1, and the hanger 6 is threaded through the loop 10.

It is an aim of the present invention to store the box in a concealed and safe fashion. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a case cover 11, wherein the case cover 11 conformally covers the receptacle 1. As seen in FIG. 10, the case cover 11 encompasses the receptacle 1 in a snug fashion. In an alternate embodiment, the case cover 11 may be a jacket. The jacket may be of different shapes to conform to the exterior of differently shaped receptacles. In order to hang the storage box within a wardrobe, closet, or a car, even when the case cover 11 is on the receptacle 1, there is a slit 12. Preferably, the slit 12 traverses centrally through a terminal edge of the case cover 11, such that the hanger 6 may be detachably mounted onto the supporting head structure 5 through the slit 12. As seen in FIG. 10, the hanger 6 is positioned outside the case cover 11 and is threaded through the loop 10 that is protruding outside through the slit 12.

To further enhance security, the present invention comprises a third fastener 13, and a locking mechanism 14. Preferably, the third fastener 13 is integrated along terminal edges of the case cover 11. As seen in FIG. 10, the third fastener 13 is a zipper system comprising two zippers, also known as a two-way zipper or a double zipper. In the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism 14 is operably engaged to the third fastener 13, such that operating the locking mechanism 14 governs locking of the case cover 11 around the receptacle 1. Further, as seen in FIG. 10, the locking mechanism 14 is a number lock that may be placed on the two zippers to further secure the case. The lock may be opened by means of a key, passcode, or the like. Furthermore, a fingerprint may be used to open the lock, providing a quick and facile means of securing and accessing the case's contents. However, the third fastener 13 and the locking mechanism 14 may comprise any other components and technology that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A concealed hanging storage device for valuables, the device comprising: a receptacle; an inner compartment; an inner layer; at least one storage cavity; a supporting head structure; a hanger; at least one first fastener; the inner compartment traversing into the receptacle; the inner layer being mounted within the inner compartment; the at least one storage cavity traversing into the inner layer; the supporting head structure being mounted adjacent a first end of the receptacle; the hanger being detachably mounted onto the supporting head structure; the at least one first fastener being mounted within the at least one storage cavity; and the at least one first fastener being connected to the supporting head structure.
 2. The storage device of claim 1, comprising: at least one cover; the at least one cover being mounted onto the inner layer; and the at least one cover covering the at least one storage cavity.
 3. The storage device of claim 2, comprising: at least one second fastener; and the at least one second fastener being operably engaged between the inner layer and the cover, such that operating the second fastener governs covering and exposing of the at least one storage cavity.
 4. The storage device of claim 1, comprising: a loop; the loop being mounted onto the supporting head structure; the loop extending away from the receptacle; and the hanger being threaded through the loop.
 5. The storage device of claim 1, comprising: a case cover; and the case cover conformally covering the receptacle.
 6. The storage device of claim 5, comprising: a slit; the slit traversing centrally through a terminal edge of the case cover; the hanger being detachably mounted onto the supporting head structure through the slit; and the hanger being positioned outside the case cover.
 7. The storage device of claim 5, comprising: a third fastener; a locking mechanism; the third fastener being integrated along terminal edges of the case cover; and the locking mechanism being operably engaged to the third fastener, such that operating the locking mechanism governs locking of the case cover around the receptacle.
 8. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle being rectangular with a plurality of rounded corners.
 9. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the inner layer being compressible.
 10. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the inner layer being pressed against inner sidewalls of the receptacle.
 11. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the hanger extending away from the receptacle when in use.
 12. A concealed hanging storage device for valuables, the device comprising: a receptacle; an inner compartment; an inner layer; at least one storage cavity; a supporting head structure; a hanger; at least one first fastener; at least one cover; at least one second fastener; the inner compartment traversing into the receptacle; the inner layer being mounted within the inner compartment, wherein the inner layer being compressible; the at least one storage cavity traversing into the inner layer; the supporting head structure being mounted adjacent a first end of the receptacle; the hanger being detachably mounted onto the supporting head structure, wherein the hanger extending away from the receptacle when in use; the at least one first fastener being mounted within the at least one storage cavity; the at least one first fastener being connected to the supporting head structure; the at least one cover being mounted onto the inner layer; the at least one cover covering the at least one storage cavity; and the at least one second fastener being operably engaged between the inner layer and the cover, such that operating the second fastener governs covering and exposing of the at least one storage cavity.
 13. The storage device of claim 12, comprising: a loop; the loop being mounted onto the supporting head structure; the loop extending away from the receptacle; and the hanger being threaded through the loop.
 14. The storage device of claim 12, comprising: a case cover; a slit; the case cover conformally covering the receptacle; the slit traversing centrally through a terminal edge of the case cover; the hanger being detachably mounted onto the supporting head structure through the slit; and the hanger being positioned outside the case cover.
 15. The storage device of claim 14, comprising: a third fastener; a locking mechanism; the third fastener being integrated along terminal edges of the case cover; and the locking mechanism being operably engaged to the third fastener, such that operating the locking mechanism governs locking of the case cover around the receptacle.
 16. A concealed hanging storage device for valuables, the device comprising: a receptacle; an inner compartment; an inner layer; at least one storage cavity; a supporting head structure; a hanger; a loop; at least one first fastener; at least one cover; at least one second fastener; the inner compartment traversing into the receptacle; the inner layer being mounted within the inner compartment, wherein the inner layer being compressible; the at least one storage cavity traversing into the inner layer; the supporting head structure being mounted adjacent a first end of the receptacle; the hanger being detachably mounted onto the supporting head structure; the loop being mounted onto the supporting head structure; the loop extending away from the receptacle; the hanger being threaded through the loop; the at least one first fastener being mounted within the at least one storage cavity; the at least one first fastener being connected to the supporting head structure; the at least one cover being mounted onto the inner layer; the at least one cover covering the at least one storage cavity; and the at least one second fastener being operably engaged between the inner layer and the cover, such that operating the second fastener governs covering and exposing of the at least one storage cavity.
 17. The storage device of claim 16, comprising: a case cover; a slit; the case cover conformally covering the receptacle; the slit traversing centrally through a terminal edge of the case cover; the hanger being detachably mounted onto the supporting head structure through the slit; and the hanger being positioned outside the case cover.
 18. The storage device of claim 17, comprising: a third fastener; a locking mechanism; the third fastener being integrated along terminal edges of the case cover; and the locking mechanism being operably engaged to the third fastener, such that operating the locking mechanism governs locking of the case cover around the receptacle.
 19. The storage device of claim 16, wherein the receptacle being rectangular with a plurality of rounded corners.
 20. The storage device of claim 16, wherein the inner layer being pressed against inner sidewalls of the receptacle. 